North Vernon woman dies in blaze

NORTH VERNON — A 59-year-old Jennings County woman died in a house fire Friday morning.

Tijera A. Waggoner, 505 Persimmon Drive, North Vernon, was found dead inside her home along with a pet after North Vernon firefighters were able to bring the fire under control, according to a news report from Officer Justin Black with North Vernon Police Department.

Black, the department's public information officer, said the house was fully engulfed when firefighters were called to the scene at 10:49 a.m., but it was brought under control within 30 minutes.

During the fire, neighbors tried to knock on the door of the home to see if anyone was inside, Black said. The home was destroyed.

Investigators with both the police and fire departments are investigating the fire along with the Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office.

Black reported the investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.